Winter can be harsh on your deck. The cold winds, heavy rains, and snow can cause serious damage and make your deck unsightly. That’s why it’s essential to prepare your deck before the winter season begins. Winter preparation ensures that your deck will remain in good condition for many years to come and saves you from costly repairs.
Create a winter preparation checklist for you to follow each year to ensure you don’t miss any essential steps. A list is an excellent way to ensure your deck will stay in good condition. This will save you from costly repairs later.
Clean and Inspect Your Deck
Winter weather can be harsh on your deck, so it’s important to ensure it’s in good condition before the season starts. Take the time to inspect for damage by checking for cracks, rotting wood, and loose boards. It’s crucial to replace any damaged boards and tighten any loose nuts and bolts to keep your deck stable and safe to use during the winter. But don’t stop there. Protect your deck from moisture damage by applying a layer of deck sealer.
Seal the Deck
Wooden decks are susceptible to moisture damage due to their porous nature. Moisture can seep into the wood, causing it to rot and weaken. By sealing your deck, you provide a barrier that stops moisture from causing any damage. Whether you choose to use a clear sealer or a tinted one to add some color to your deck, the benefits of doing so will become apparent in the form of a long-lasting, beautiful deck.
Clear the Gutters
As the seasons change, it’s important to take a closer look at the maintenance required for your home. Buildup within your gutters can lead to some serious damage, such as water accumulation and overflow. This can be a daunting task, but it’s worth taking the time to ensure that water is able to flow freely from your gutters and away from your home. Take a few moments to check that your gutters are functioning properly, and you’ll be thankful you did when the rainy season comes around.
Store Your Furniture
Winter is right around the corner, and with it comes the chill of snow and freezing temperatures. As much as we may want to hibernate inside during this time, we know that our outdoor furniture needs some protection too. Bringing your furniture indoors or storing it in a garage or shed is the best way to protect it from the harsh winter elements. By doing so, you are not only preventing damage to your furniture but also ensuring that your beloved pieces are ready to be used again once the weather warms up. Treat your outdoor furniture with care and enjoy it for many more seasons to come.
Use Salt or De-Icing Agents
Ice and snow can accumulate on your deck, creating a slippery surface that poses a risk to your safety. It is essential to arm yourself with a powerful tool to fight ice buildup on your deck. De-icing agents and salt can help you melt the ice and make the deck safer without too much effort. However, it’s crucial to use these solutions in moderation as excessive salt can cause long-term damage to your deck.
Elevate Potted Plants
Elevating your potted plants not only adds height and interest to your outdoor space but also serves a practical purpose. By placing them on top of pavers or bricks, you ensure they are protected from any snow or ice that may accumulate during the winter months.
Remove Standing Water
Allowing standing water to accumulate on your deck can cause warping or rot, leading to costly repairs down the line. Fortunately, clearing off standing water is an easy task that you can accomplish with a broom or a squeegee. By promptly removing any standing water from your deck, you’ll help to ensure that it stays looking great and functioning correctly for years to come.
Trim Overhanging Tree Branches
The weight of snow and ice accumulation on overhanging tree branches can result in expensive damage to your outdoor space. One quick and easy way to address this issue is to trim back any branches that are hanging over your deck. It’s always better to be proactive and avoid any potential problems before they occur. Give yourself peace of mind and enjoy your deck throughout the year by taking care of your trees.
Hire Professional Help
As a homeowner, you want your house to look its best year-round. Snow, ice, and harsh winds can take a toll on your deck. That is why investing in professional help to prep your deck before winter sets in is a smart move. One of the primary reasons to hire a professional to prep your deck for winter is safety. Weather can leave your deck slippery and dangerous. A professional will identify any safety hazards and take care of them before the first snow falls.
Protect Your Investment
A professional can help to protect the value of your investment by getting your deck ready for whatever winter has in store. Hiring professionals to prep your deck for winter can also help to increase its longevity. Harsh weather can take a toll on wood, and contracting professionals can help to prevent costly damage.
Save Time
Preparing your deck for winter can be a time-consuming task, and many homeowners struggle to find the time to complete it themselves. By hiring a professional, you can save time and ensure that your deck is well-prepared for the cold weather ahead.
Your deck is a significant investment, and you want it to last. Taking steps to prepare it for winter can save you money, stress, and time. Hiring professional help, like Forsman’s Finest, to prep your deck for winter is a smart investment. Not only will it ensure that your deck is safe and protected, but it will also save you time and increase longevity.